GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNCG softball team had chances but fell short against fourth-seeded Samford, 3-0, Wednesday afternoon at the 2014 Southern Conference Tournament at the UNCG Softball Stadium.

The Spartans sit at 27-25 on the season while the Bulldogs improve to 37-16 on the year. UNCG will play a elimination game Thursday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. against No. 8 seed Elon at the UNCG Softball Stadium.

Sophomore Mollie Hanson threw a complete game three-hitter to send Samford into the winner’s bracket. Hanson improved to 23-8 and only walked two batters with three strikeouts. Senior Raeanne Hanks (Rainier, Ore./Rainier Senior) took the loss after throwing 5.1 innings and allowed just thee runs (one earned) on four hits.

The Bulldogs took an early lead in the bottom of the second after Megan Dowdy earned an RBI infield single to make it 1-0. Samford loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch with one out. After a fielder’s choice, Dowdy picked up her 26th RBI of the season after beating out an infield hit. Bedwell was able to keep the game close after throwing out Caroline Wilder who tried to score from third.

In the fifth inning, Samford added two runs off one hit to lead the Spartans 3-0. With one out, Dowdy was hit by a pitch and Abby Adams reached on a fielder’s choice. After a lineout, Caitlin Bice singled to third base scoring Adams and Dowdy came home off an error.

In the seventh inning, the Blue and Gold put two runners on base with one out. Wright singled through the infield to put runners on first and second. Hanson induced a groundball double play to seal the victory for Samford.

All of the action will be available LIVE through SoConTV. Fans that are unable to attend will have the opportunity to view all of the games by logging on to SoConSports.com and subscribing to SoConTV. The championship game, which is slated for Saturday at 1:00 p.m., will be broadcast on ESPN3. From the first pitch to the final out, every moment of the softball action will be available, including exclusive coach and student-athlete interviews and the final awards presentation.

Be sure to follow all updates about the UNCG softball team on www.uncgspartans.com or on twitter @UNCGsports/@UNCGsoftball. -UNCG-